Lighting fixture



Dec. 29, 1942.

W. W. KA NTACK LIGHTING FIXTURE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Filed Aug. 3, 1940 s Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Dec. 29, 1942. I w. w. KANTACK 2,306,700

LIGHTING FIXTURE Fil ed Aug. 3, 1940 3 SheetS-Sh eet 3 Patented Dec. 29, 1942 UNITED STATES LIGHTING FIXTURE Walter W. Kantack, St. Albans, N. Y., assignor to Curtis Lighting, Inc, Chicago, III., a corporation of Illinois Application August a, 1940, Serial No. 350,901

7 Claims.

'.This invention relates to lighting fixtures in general, and more'especially to lighting fixtures having as a source of light a fluorescent tubular lamp.

Among the objects of the present invention it is aimed to provide an improved lighting fixture including a fluorescent tubular lamp as a source of light, a main base reflector, and a secondary reflector for intercepting the direct light rays from the lampwithin the range of normal line of vision and at thesame time reflecting the rays of light so intercepted in a generally downward direction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting fixture including one or more lighting units each of which is characterized by a tubular fluorescent lamp as the source of light, a rear main reflector, and a secondary reflector intercepting the direct rays of light from the lamp cific embodiments thereof illustrated in the ac I companying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a diagrammatic transverse sectional elevation illustrating one form of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic transverse sectional elevation illustrating a modification of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional elevation illustrating the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 2, as a commercially manufactured article;

Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a perspective elevation partly'broken instance, three reflecting elements 4, 5' and 6. The element 4 consists of a polygonal face approaching an arc, including in the present instance, the iaces 6, l, 8 and 9. The reflecting element 5 reflects the light rays "received by it from the fluorescent tubular lamp l0 upwardly against the reflecting element 4, which in turn bends these rays, and also the light rays which it receives directly from the fluorescent tubular lamp l9 outwardly and downwardly. The horizontal axis of the lamp ID as shownin this embodiment, is substantially ten degrees below the upper edge of the reflecting element 5 and substantially twenty degrees above the lower edge of this reflecting element 5. The reflecting element 6 directs such rays of the lamp In which it receives in a generally downward and outward direction. This main reflector 3 cooperates with the secondary reflector II 'in the present embodiment, to direct generally downward about forty per cent of the light'rays' of the lamp In in order to cause the remaining sixty percent of the light rays to be directed upwardly, outwardly and downwardly to 'producewhat is generally termed indirect lighting. More specifically, the reflector l l in the present instance consists of two reflecting elements l2 and I3, the reflecting element l2 directing upwardly toward the reflecting element 4, the light rays which it receives from the lamp l0, and the reflecting element l3 reflecting downwardly and inwardly all rays which it receives from the lamp Ill. The lower edge of the refleeting element [2 in the present instance is away, illustrating a method of providing vari- V and a main reflector 3, including in the present substantially fifteen degrees below the horizontal axis of the lamp l0, and the upper edge of this reflecting element I2 is substantially twenty degrees above the horizontal axis of the lamp l0 and just below the upper level of the lamp [0.

The intersection between the reflecting elements 5 and 6, similarly the intersection between the reflecting elements l2 and I3, and the inclination of the reflecting elements I, 8, 9, 5, 6, l2 and I3, are so arranged as will clearly appear from Fig. 1, that substantially none of the light I8 disposed intermediate the main reflector I6 and secondary reflector ii, the longitudinal axis of which is similarly perpendicular to the imaginary vertical plane aforesaid.

The combination here diagrammatically disclosed, as distinguished from the combination disclosed in Fig. 1, while similarly using the secondary reflector to intercept the direct light rays from the normal range of vision, and being in a plane extending away from the surface of the lamp directs downwardly and outwardly about sixty per cent of the eflective light rays of the. lamp l8 and the remaining forty per cent of the effective light rays upwardly to cooperate with the upper portion of the reflector Hi to produce what is generally known as indirect lighting.

The reflector H in the present instance, consists of two main portions, one portion includ-.

ing the arcuate reflecting elementsv l9 and 26,

and the other portion including the arcuate refleeting elements 2| and- 22. The reflecting ele- .ments I5 and 29 extend down to the point 23,

which point is substantially thirty degrees above the horizontal axis of the lamp I8, serve mainly to produce, as indirect light rays, the light rays received from the lamp Ill. The reflecting elements 2| and 22 below the point 23 serve mainly to direct downwardly and outwardly the light rays received by them from the lamp H3.

"The reflector consists essentially of the refleeting faces 24 and 25 suiflciently oblique to the adjacent surface of lamp ii! to direct downwardly and inwardly the light rays received by them from the lamp l8. The upper edge of the reflecting element 24 is substantially thirty degrees above the horizontal axis of the lamp l8 and slightly below the upper level of the lamp Hi. The lower edge of the reflecting face 24 is substantially in line with the horizontal axis of the lamp Hi. It should here also be noted that the inclinations of the several reflecting faces I9, 26, 2|,'22, 24 and 25 relative to the lamp 3 l8 are such as noted with regard to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, that they will reflect back upon the lamp the light rays received by them, and for the purpose noted with regard to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1.

The embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 indicate how this combination of main reflector,

cover or ceiling plate 26 which in the present instance may be connected to the ceiling 21 by any suitable means such for instance as the expansion bolts 28. To this plate 26, as shop assembled, there is preferably connected at each end thereof an end plate 29. These end plates H 29 have inwardly extending lugs 36, 3| and 32 through which extend screws 33 connecting the lugs and thereby the end plates 29 to the top plate 26. The end plates 29 also have inwardly extending lugs 34 to which is connected the A molding 35. The molding 35 preferably has at its ends straps 36 having screw threaded open- .ings 31 to receive the screws-38 extending from theinside of the lugs 34, through the lugs 34 into screw threaded engagement with the tapped l8 substantially none of holes 31 in the straps 35. The molding 35 extends from one end plate 29 to the other. Also, as part of the shop assembled unit, there are connected the brackets 39 and 46 which have webs 4| riveted to the top plate 26 and inclined wings 42, the wings 42 of the brackets 39 and d0 of a pair being inclined toward one another. To the inclined wings 42, as shop assembled, there are secured the sockets 43 having the enlarged portions 44 secured to the inner faces of the wings 42 and the extensions 45 extending outwardly of the sides of the wings 42. Also, as shopassembled, the top plate 25 preferably has connected thereto the moldings 46 and 41 whichextend the full length of a unit between the end plates 23 as shown in Fig. 4, being connected to the top plate 26 by screws 48.

When the lighting fixture is installed, the shop assembled unit as aforesaid is preferably connected to the ceiling 2'! by the expansion bolts 28 as shown, and thereupon the main reflectors 49 and 55, each extending the full length of a unit between the inner faces of the end plates 29 being slotted to clear the extensions 45 of the sockets 43, are put in place and connected to the wings 42 of the brackets 39 and 49 by means of suitable screws or the like. Thereupon, the secondary reflectors 5| and 52 are connected to the lugs 53 and 54, extending from the inner faces of the end plates 29 by means of the screws 55 and 56 respectively. The secondary reflectors 5| and 52 similarly extend the full length of a unit from the one inner face to the other inner face of the end plates 29. After the reflectors are so assembled, then the fluorescent tubular lamp 51, such for instance as the -wattone and one-half inch diameter, four foot long fluorescent tube generally used in practice, is connected to the extensions of the sockets 43 in the usual way. The electrical connection and equipment necessary with fluo- -rescent tubular lamps are mounted within the enclosure formed by the top. plate 26 and reflectors 49 and 56. Access to this electrical equipment in the chamber so formed between the top plate 26 and reflectors 49 and 56 is readily afforded by the ready removability of the lamps 51, and reflectors 49, 56, 5| and 52.

The position of the reflectors 49 and 59 are predetermined. As an instance, the outer edge 58 of the reflector 49 engages the flange 59 of the moulding :6 extending the full length of a unit, and the inner edge 66 engages the flange 6| of the molding 35. When the lamps 51 and reflectors 49, 59, 5| and 52 are so removed, the

basic supporting structure remains intact as a rigid structure consisting of the top plate 26, end plates 29, and moldings 46, 41 and 35.

When the universally popular length of the lamp 51 as aforesaid, four feet, is used, obviously the units will be substantially four feet in length. Obviously, the lengths of these units may be varied according to requirements without departing from the main object of the invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, in place of an end plate 29 at the end of the first unit 62, a connecting plate 63 may be substituted to facilitate attaching a second unit 64' to the first unit 62 and thus increasing the length of the lamp fixture substantially at will. In such case, the connecting plate 63 has lugs such as the lugs 30, 3|, 32, 53, 54 and 34 extending from both faces thereof, corresponding in position to the position of these lugs1onthe plate 29.

- As shown in Fig. 3; the end plates are recessed between the end portions.65 and 66 so that the end plates will only engage the ceiling at the ends thereof. The upper edges of the moldings 46 and 41 are spaced from the upper edges of the projections 65 and 66 so that they will definitely clear the ceiling throughout the length of the lighting fixture.

It is obvious that the unit illustrated in Fig. 3 consists of two units such as diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 2. 1

Figs. 7 and 8 show a still further development of multiplying the unit diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 1, it consisting of a rectangular lighting fixture 61 composed of founmain lighting units 68, 69, 10 and H connected to one another by mitered ends 12, the end plates 2911 being obliquely disposed and forming the corner. Each of these main units 68, 69, i0 and! l in turn include two units 13 and 16 similar to the single unit diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. l, and

are disposed with their backs toward each othe to face in opposite directions. Corner plates 93 assist in uniting the proximate end portions of the longitudinal and transverse units, said plates 90 also provide a decorative finish which presents a neat appearance to. the observer. The main reflectors, which are of a generally concave shape in cross-section, are disposed to face downward and are, as before explained,each formed in the quadrant of a circle to one side of a vertically extending diameter. Each of the units is provided with the top plate 26 and the longitudinally disposed moulding strips 45 and 41 are carried by these top plates and are engaged by the adjacent upper margins of the main reflectors. The secondary reflectors I2l3 are disposed in front of the lamps I!) and they are preferably oblique to the main reflectors upon the opposite sides of the lamps. The lower portions of these units are opened, as will be understood by reference to Figure 1, except at the junction by the adjacent units where the corner plates 90 are mounted. In' this arrangement a said proportion of the light waves are directed in a downward and outward direction, and another proportion of the light waves are directed upwardly for indirect illumination. I a

From the foregoing basic disclosures, it will be apparent that combinations of these structures can be evolved which will lend themselves to being mounted flush on the ceiling in linear or rectangular form or pendant in similar forms, and also to be mounted where a single lamp is used in the assembly along the walls and ceilings of rooms in either continuous or intermittent variation. 7

Due to the length of the fluorescent tubular lamps, especially when four feet long, in order to intercept thedirect light rays from the lamp in the normal range of vision, that is, directed longitudinally with or approaching a direction longitudinally with the axis of the lamp, it is preferable to provide intercepting devices. In

the present instancenone, form of these interwings 80 of one group are mounted upon a bracing or alining rod 81 which is also slotted in a well known manner to cooperate with the slots 85 of the wings 80, and secured in position by staking. Similarly, a rod 88 provided with slots to cooperate with the slots 86 of the wings BI is provided which is similarly secured to the wings 8| by staking. The rod 84 is also slotted and preferably connected to the arms 82 by staking. When thus assembled, these louver shields constitute a unit easily handled and readily installed and removed.

It is obvious that various changes and modifications may be made to the construction without departing from the general spirit'of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

l. The combination of a rectangular four-element lighting fixture, each element including a pair of horizontally extending main'concave reflectors facing downwardly and outwardlyaway from one another in adjacent quadrants of circles, each quadrant being disposed to one side of a vertically extending diameter, a tubular lamp for each main reflector, each lamp extending horizontally in front of each main reflector and well within the respective quadrant, a horizontally extending secondaryreflector facing each lamp and well within the quadrant/of its associatedmain reflector and positioned to intercept the direct light rays from its associated lamp in the normal range of vision, said reflectors positioned to direct light rays outwardly from the unit whereby a proportion of the rays pass downwardly and another proportion thereof pass up wardly for indirect illumination; and means for operatively connecting said reflectors and lamps in the positions named.

2. The combination of a multiple-unit luminaire wherein the units are disposed in va hollow form about a common center, each said unit embodying a horizontally extending main concave reflector facing downwardly and outwardly and formed in the quadrant of a circle to one side of a vertically extending diameter; a tubular lamp for said main reflector, said lamp extending horizontally in frontof and intermediate the upper and lower margins of said main reflector and well within said quadrant; said main reflector having a portion extended above said lamp and dis-- posed with its margin overhanging said lamp to reflect light rays outwardly in both upward and downward directions; a horizontally extending secondary reflector facing said lamp and main reflector and well within said quadrant and positioned to intercept the direct light rays from said lamp in the normal range of vision; said main and secondary reflectors having lower per tions disposed below said lamp and diverging downwardly to reflect light rays outwardly in a downward direction; means foroperatively connecting said reflectors and lamp in the positions named; and means connecting the proximate ends of a plurality of said units about a common center.

3. The combination of Ca mul1ple-unit luminaire wherein the units are disposed in a hollow form about a common center, each said unit embodying a pair of horizontally extending main concave reflectors facing downwardly and outwardly away from one another and formed in adjacent quadrants of circles, each quadrant being dosposed to one side of a vertically extending diameter, a tubular lamp for each main reflector, each lamp extending horizontally in front of and intermediate the ends of its main reflector and well within the quadrant of its'm'ain reflector; a horizontally'extending secondary reflector in front of and facing each lamp-and each main reflector and well within the quadrant of 'its associated main reflector, said secondary reflectors positioned to intercept the direct light rays from their respective lamps in the normal range of vision on each side of the unit; said reflectors positioned to direct light rays outwardly from the unit whereby a proportion of the rays pass downwardly and another proportion thereof pass upwardly for indirect illumination; means operatively connecting said reflectors andlamps in the positions named; and means connecting the proximate ends of a plurality of said units'about a common center. 7

4. The combination of a multiple-unit luminaire wherein the units are disposed in a hollow form about a common center, each unit embodying a, horizontal top-plate; end plates connected thereto; a horizontally extending main concave reflector facing downwardly and outwardly and formed in the quadrant of a circle to one side of a vertically extending diameter, said reflector disposed between said end plates and below said top-plate; a tubular lamp for said main reflector, said lamp extending horizontally in front of and intermediate the upper and lower margins of said main reflector and well within said quadrant; said main reflector having a portion extended above said lamp and disposed with its margin overhanging said lamp to reflect light rays outwardly in both upward and downward directions; a horizontally extending secondary reflector facing said lamp and main reflector and well within said quadrant and adapted to intercept the direct light rays from said lamp in the normal range of vision, said secondary reflector connected at its ends to said end plates; said main and secondary reflectors having lower portions disposed below said lamp and diverging downwardly to reflect light rays outwardly in a downward direction; and means for operatively connecting a plurality of units about a common center.

5. A luminaire comprising a plurality'of longitudinal and transverse units formed into a hollow rectangle, each unit providing a 'side'tli'ereof and embodying a horizontal top-plate; endplates at the corners of the rectangle and connected to said top-plate; a horizontallyextending main concave reflector facing downwardly and outwardly and formed in the quadrant of a circle to one side of a vertically extendingdiameter, said reflector disposed between said end plates and below said top-plate; a tubular lamp for said main reflector, said lamp extending horizontally in front of and intermediate the upper and lower margins of said main reflector and well within said quadrant; said main reflector having a portion extending above said'lamp and disposed with its margin overhanging said lamp to reflect light rays in both upward and downward directions; a horizontally extending secondary rfi'ector facing said lamp andflsaid main reflect 7 and well within said quadrant and adapted to intercept the direct light rays from said lamp in the'normal'range of vision, said secondary reflector connected at its ends to said end-plates; said main and secondary reflectors having lower portions disposed below said lamp and diverging downwardly to reflect light rays outwardly in a downward direction; and means for operatively connecting the proximate ends of said longitudinal and transverse unitsabout a common center.

6. A luminaire comprising a plurality of longitudinal and transverse units formed into a liollow rectangle, each unit providing a side thereof and embodying a horizontal top-plate; end plates at the corners of the rectangle and connected to said top plate; a pair of horizontally extending main concave reflectors facing downwardlyand outwardly away from one another and formed in adjacent quadrants of circles, each quadrant being disposed to one side of a vertically extending diameter, said reflectors disposed between said end plates and below said top-plate; a tubular lamp for each main reflector, each lamp extending horizontally in front of and intermediate the ends of its main reflector and well within the quadrant of its main reflector; a horizontally extending secondary reflector in front of and facing each lamp and each main reflector and well within the quadrant of its associated main reflector, said secondary reflectors positioned to intercept the direct light rays from their respective lamps in the normal range of vision on each side of the unit; said reflectors positioned to direct light rays outwardly from the unit whereby a proportion of the rays past downwardly and another proportion thereof pass upwardly for indirect illumination; means operatively connecting the reflectors and lamps of a unit in the positions named; and means connecting the proximate ends of said longitudinal and transverse units about a common center.

7. The combination of a multiple-unit luminaire wherein the units are disposed about a common center, each said unit embodying a horizontally extending main concave reflector facing downwardly and outwardly and formed in the quadrant of a circle to one side of a vertically extending diameter; a tubular lamp for said main reflector, said lamp extending horizontally in front of and intermediate the ends of said main reflector and well within said quadrant; a horizontally extending secondary reflector facing said lamp and well within said quadrant and positioned to intercept the direct light rays from said lamp in the normal range of vision; said first-mentioned main reflector and said secondary reflector positioned in inclined relation to one another and tangent to said lamp whereby to direct a proportion of the light rays in a downward and outward direction and also to direct another proportion of the light rays in an upward and outward direction for indirect illumination; means for operatively connecting said reflectors and lamp in the positions named; and means connecting the proximate ends of a plurality of said units about a common center.

WALTER W. KANTACK. 

